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Good evening john,
It has been great to get around the constituency in the past few weeks to meet as many people as possible to discuss such a wide range of issues.
This week's newsletter includes some of the meetings I have had, combined with my thoughts on the events that have taken place in Afghanistan.
As ever, if you have an issue you would like to raise with me as your local Member of Parliament, please email: [email protected].
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Tynedale is making us all safer
I had the opportunity to see BAE's world-class testing and evaluation site at Ridsdale.
The site is the Company’s principal location for the test and evaluation of munitions with direct fire ranges of 50m, 100m, 200m and 300m.
As part of the visit, I was given a tour of the firing range where we were shown the cutting-edge technology behind munitions testing and evaluation; including high speed imagery and radar velocity plots.
Additionally, I was briefed on the ‘Next Generations Munitions Solution’, a 15-year contract, between BAE Systems and the UK Ministry Of Defence, covering the supply of munitions and engineering support.
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The site continues to create highly skilled, highly paid local jobs, with another apprentice starting in September 2021.
I look forward to continue working with BAE Systems to ensure local people’s jobs are supported.
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Ponteland's Alma Dunigan recognised as local Community Champion
Ponteland resident Alma Dunigan has been recognised for almost two decades of hard work as Chairman of the Ponteland Community Partnership.
Alma led the organisation as Chair, delivering a number of important projects in the town, including improvements to the bridleway, restoration of the old railway path, and tree planting across Ponteland.
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The Partnership is now closing after 18 years, with the organisation delivering a final project to help young people in Ponteland.
The Ponteland Community Partnership will leave a positive legacy for many years to come.
I would like to thank all those who volunteered their time and skills to support the many great community projects. As the partnership comes to a close, I wanted to recognise Alma’s hard work as Chair over many years through a Community Champion award.
Well done Alma!
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Back local attractions this summer
I recently visited Humbles Wood Farm and Country Store in Prudhoe. The farm boasts an array of animals, including goats, chickens, pigs, sheep, as well as two donkeys – appropriately named Ant & Dec!
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The farm is free to visit, but asks for donations to help with running costs and the cost of keeping the animals.
It was brilliant to meet the team and animals at Humbles Wood Farm. It is a brilliant family day out and I encourage everyone to visit this summer.
Our local attractions have suffered through the pandemic. Now restrictions have eased, it is vital we back them. If we don’t use them, we will lose them.
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Afghanistan
A number of constituents have been in touch with regards to the current situation in Afghanistan.
The recent scenes we have all witnessed in Afghanistan have been devastating. There are now many thousands of displaced Afghans within the country, many of whom are women and girls, who face persecution from the Taliban.
I am pleased, therefore, that the Government is upholding the UK’s longstanding reputation for humanitarianism with a further commitment to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghans, in what is one of the most generous resettlement schemes in our country’s history.
If you, a family member, friend or someone you know requires urgent consular assistance please email me at: [email protected].
Please provide the following details in the email:
a. - Full name
b. - Nationality
c. - Passport number
d. - Date of birth
e. - Gender
f. - Contact details in Afghanistan
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Guy Opperman MP
Member of Parliament for Tynedale and Ponteland
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